The head and principal leader of the Zhung Dratshang is His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the supreme spiritual leader and representative of Dorje Chang (Vajradhara), the Dharmakaya Buddha.

The current officeholder is the 70th Je Khenpo, His Holiness Trulku Jigme Chhoeda. His Holiness ascended the throne as the supreme spiritual leader of Bhutan in 1996.

Similarly, the five Lopons, who serve as representatives of the five categories of enlightened wisdom, are important leaders within the monastic community. In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, they hold positions and responsibilities comparable to those of government ministers.

The five Lopons are:

1. Dorji Lopen (Vajra Vajra Acharya)
2. Yonten Lopen (Guna Acharaya)
3. Tsugla Lopen (Padma Acharaya)
4. Tshoki Lopen (Buddha Acharaya
5. Leytshog Lopen (Karma Acharaya)

Among these five, the Dorji Lopon serves as the head of the Monastic Council for Meditation Instruction and Spiritual Initiation. Traditionally, the Dorji Lopen may subsequently ascend the throne as the Je Khenpo.

The Yonten Lopön leads the Monastic Council for Spiritual and Skill Development.The Tsugla Lopen leads the Monastic Council for Education and Buddhist University. The Tshoki Lopen leads the Monastic Council for Religious and Social Services, while the Leytshog Lopen leads the Monastic Council for Administration and Development Affairs.

Each fulfils religious duties and responsibilities in accordance with their respective roles.

Under the five senior Lopens, there are eight junior Lopon-level officials who carry out religious duties and related responsibilities. These comprise:

• Two Machen Zimpons
• Two Ge-tshog Lopens
• One Dratshang Umdze (chief chant master or leader of monastic chanting)
• Three Chhoethrims (officials responsible for religious discipline and monastic rules)

Their responsibilities contribute significantly to the orderly functioning of the monastic institution, including its religious practices, discipline, education, and community activities.

Similarly, within the eighteen Rabdey Dratshangs, resident senior lamas, heads of Buddhist colleges, and instructors at meditation centres undertake their respective responsibilities to preserve and sustain religious traditions, Buddhist education, and meditation practices.